Abstract: A thermoelectric reactor for the chemical destruction of heavy-molecule volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds, or hydrogen sulfide contained in a gaseous feed. The reactor contains a hollow core containing energy sources. This reactor core surrounded by several ceramic walls and insulating zones. Uniform, high temperatures, up to at least 1900.degree. C., are obtained in the reactor core not only from direct radiant heat from the energy sources, but also from energy reflected and emitted from the surrounding zones. Reaction rates are enhanced by non-equilibrium conditions caused by electromagnetic threes derived from the energy sources. Further chemical destruction is accomplished in a porous energy retaining zone after passage through the reactor core. Ionizing gases and ionization seed material may be added to the gaseous feed material to increase electric conductivity and promote dissociation and ionization in the reactor core.

Abstract: Steam plasma reactor incorporating an induction steam plasma torch where superheated steam is generated and passed through an induction coil or coils to generate high temperature steam plasma for conversion and disposal of waste products such as low level radioactive waste, energetics, such as solid rocket propellants, liquid rocket fuel, chemical agents such as nerve gas, industrial waste such as paint sludge, hazardous chemical waste, medical waste and other general wastes in a downstream conversion reactor referred to as a plasma energy recycle and conversion (PERC) reactor.

Abstract: A process is described for the incineration and vitrification of mainly mineral waste in which at least one pure or substantially pure oxygen plasma jet is used for melting the waste, the process taking place in a metal crucible containing a tapping valve and its wall is cooled by liquids flowing in internal channels.

Abstract: A microwave refining and melting furnace for the treatment of dissolved or solid products includes a first waveguide traversed by a microwave beam generated by a generator coupled to a first end of the first waveguide. The first waveguide is provided with a material supply orifice located at an upper part thereof close to a first end of the first waveguide. The first waveguide has at a lower part thereof, close to a second end, an overflow lock of variable height making it possible to define a retention volume for the materials, which have been progressively melted by a continuous flow along the lower wall of the first waveguide, from the reception point thereof in the first guide. A second waveguide is connected to the first waveguide for refining the materials.

Abstract: A unit for disposing of refuse and contaminants by thermal oxidation includes a housing having a bottom, side walls and a top disposed in surrounding relation to an interior thereof. A partial wall structure divides the housing interior to define a first thermal oxidation chamber sized and configured to contain the refuse and contaminants and a second flue gas burning chamber disposed in air-flow communication with said first chamber. Heating elements are provided in the first and second chambers to raise the temperature to a predetermined level in order to induce thermal oxidation of refuse in the first chamber and the resultant flue gasses passing through the second chamber. An exhaust stack receives the flue gasses exiting from the second chamber and includes a filter therein for removing remaining contaminants from the flue gasses prior to entering the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for thermal treatment of gas, in particular for thermal and/or catalytic after-burning of waste gas, in which the gas is conducted through a gas-permeable, in particular fibrous or porous body, which consists at least partly of material which absorbs microwaves, and in which the body is heated by irradiation with microwaves and the gas is heated when flowing through the body, by contact with said body.

Abstract: An injection needle melting/destroying device comprising an A(D)C power supply, a power indicator lamp, a transformer having output terminals, two opposite metal plates disposed beside the output terminals of the transformer to define a socket, a collection box disposed under the metal plates and a brush disposed above the metal plates. An injection needle is adapted to be inserted into the socket to make a short circuit so as to produce great current for melting the injection needle. The brush serves to cover the socket and prevent spark from splashing outside the socket during the melting operation.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for vitrifying hazardous waste includes a melting vessel (12) in which hazardous waste and any other necessary components for forming a glassy mixture upon heating are introduced for heating by a heater (38), and a metallic containment vessel (46) of the apparatus receives the melting vessel so as to receive and contain any material that exits the melting vessel upon failure. Any failure of the melting vessel (12) is detected by a sensor (48). Different embodiments of the heater (38) provide current flow through molten material (18) being heated, induction heating and electric resistance heating. A stirrer (39) can be utilized to mix the material (18) during the heating. The containment vessel (46) is preferably hermetically sealed around the melting vessel (12) to contain gases as well as any melted material received from the failed melting vessel (12).

Abstract: In a hydrocarbon release rate controlling method, a first chamber is provided capable of receiving successive batches of feed materials for thermal processing having widely varying energy content, heating is produced in the first chamber to cause pyrolyzing of the feed materials into fluid materials, a second chamber is provided communicating with the first chamber and capable of receiving the fluid materials from the first chamber and communicating the fluid materials to a discharge location, heating is produced in the second chamber to cause oxidizing of the fluid materials into discharge gases reaching the discharge location, a jacketed vessel is provided defining a channel surrounding the first and second chambers containing a flow of coolant fluid through the channel, separate variable flows of primary and secondary air are respectively produced into and through the first and second chambers, the temperatures in the first and second chambers are sensed, the temperature of the coolant in the channel of th

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the melting and subsequent solidification of fine particulate material by means of a plasma torch. The fine particulate material is introduced into a furnace having a plasma torch to a depth sufficient to cover the plasma flame produced by the torch. When operative, the torch generates a heat at low gas flow, which both allows the fine particulate material to rest with little disturbance and to transfer large amounts of heat energy to the fine particulate, effectively preheating the fine particulate material for more efficient melting. The melt may, for example, be solidified into a block for building use, into fibers by means of pressurized air passed through a venturi nozzle or into other useful forms.

Abstract: For disposal of waste material including water, volatile components and vitrifiable components, the waste material is heated in a dehydrator to remove the water, heated in a high-temperature dryer to vaporize hydrocarbon liquids, and then fed to the focus point of a primary plasma reactor where plasma arc jets are focused on the surface of a pool of the vitrifiable components. At the focus point the vitrifiable components are melted, and the volatile components are volatized. The melted vitrifiable components are received in a quench chamber where they solidify on a quench roller and are broken into chips and delivered to a receiving area. Heat from the quench chamber is transferred to the dehydrator and high-temperature dryer. The hydrocarbon liquids and volatized components are fed to a secondary plasma reactor where they are disassociated into their elemental components.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus includes a casing including an outer wall having a substantially figure eight configuration, a plurality of upper inner walls disposed inside of the outer wall and being spaced apart and having substantially concentric cylindrical configurations, and a lower inner wall disposed inside of the outer wall and disposed below the upper inner walls. The upper inner walls define an upper airtight vessel, while the lower inner wall defines a lower airtight vessel containing a material processing chamber. The outer wall and upper and lower inner walls also define a channel therebetween surrounding the upper and lower vessels for containing a flow of coolant fluid. Also, a heat exchanger is defined by the upper airtight vessel and the portion of the channel defined by the outer wall and upper inner concentrical walls. The heat exchanger is disposed above and connected in flow communication with the material processing chamber in the lower vessel.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus includes a casing having a pyrolysis chamber for receiving and pyrolyzing feed materials therein into fluid materials and a mass of refractory material contained in the casing upon the bottom thereof and spaced from the top thereof. The refractory mass extends between the opposite ends and sides of the casing and includes an upper surface defining a bottom of the pyrolysis chamber. The upper surface is defined in an inclined orientation extending between the opposite ends of the chamber. The refractory mass has an elongated cavity extending along one end of the casing and adjacent to a lower end of the upper inclined surface. An elongated residue collection pan is disposed in the cavity and is removable through an opening in a side of the casing. Elongated heating units are disposed in the pyrolysis chamber above and generally parallel to the cavity and upper inclined surface for producing heating therein to cause pyrolyzing of the feed materials into fluid materials.

Abstract: A drum is introduced into an interlock chamber and the interlock chamber is sealed. A door leading to a transition chamber is opened and the drum is moved into the transition chamber. The transition chamber is contained within a spool valve which includes a pair of drum grips. The drum grips are actuated to grasp the drum. The drum grips are rotatably coupled to an inner element of the spool valve. The inner element is rotated with respect to a housing and a drum manipulator grasps an end of the drum. The drum is displaced from the transition chamber toward a treatment chamber. The drum is cut into a desired shape and/or number of pieces with the drum and the material contained therein being deposited into the treatment chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the melting and subsequent solidification of fine particulate material by use of a plasma torch. The fine particulate material is introduced into a furnace having a plasma torch to a depth sufficient to cover the plasma flame produced by the torch. When operative, the torch generates a heat at low gas flow, which both allows the fine particulate material to rest with little disturbance and to transfer large amounts of heat energy to the fine particulate, effectively preheating the fine particulate material for more efficient melting. The melt may, for example, be solidified into a block for building use, into fibers by way of pressurized air passed through a venturi nozzle or into other useful forms.

Abstract: Fly ash is thermally processed in electrically heated, closed pre-heat and combustion chambers. In the combustion chamber, the fly ash is tumble mixed to produce maximum combustion of carbon in the fly ash. Further, the tumble mixing is done while injecting air and oxygen into the tumbling heated fly ash. The tumble mixing is accomplished by feed screws. The screw shafts are hollow with air orifices at regular intervals. As a result, an oxygenated air mixture may be injected into the tumbling fly ash to aid the combustion of the carbon in the fly ash. The flow rates for air and oxygen, the temperature of the pre-heat chamber and the combustion chamber, and the ash flow rate (speed of feed screws) may be adjusted to obtain the proper combustion to get the desired Loss On Ignition (LOI) value for the fly ash. Spectrometers monitoring the color of the output of the fly ash may be calibrated to adjust one or more of the above variables.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for processing liquid or gas waste. The apparatus includes a high temperature plasma means for generating a high temperature in a plasma torch area. The apparatus further includes a jetting means for transporting and jetting the liquid or gas waste to the high temperature plasma torch area directly wherein a high temperature treatment of the waste is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled processing of materials includes a coolant jacketed vessel defining a first pyrolysis chamber and a second oxidation chamber, first heating elements mounted in the vessel to pyrolyze materials in the first chamber, second heating elements mounted in the vessel to oxidize materials in the second chamber, an induction fan, airflow inlet valves and an air intake proportioning valve connected to the vessel for producing separate variable flows of primary and secondary air into and through the first and second chambers, first sensors mounted on the vessel for sensing the temperatures in the first and second chambers and in the coolant, a second sensor mounted on the vessel for sensing the proportion of a predetermined gas in the discharge gases, and a control system responsive to the temperatures sensed in the first and second chambers and the coolant and to the proportion of the predetermined gas sensed in the discharge gases for controlling the induction fan and air intake proportioni

Abstract: An incinerator for the disposal of biohazardous waste has a sealed enclosure defining a combustion chamber with upper, first level intermediate, second level intermediate and lower portions. The upper chamber portion is an inclined chute with a door into which a plurality of cylindrical metal containers of waste are loaded. The bottom run of the chute has a stepped, centrally expanding dimension so different sized containers will be self-centered. A pair of laterally-spaced drums is disposed in the first level intermediate portion, at a constriction which stops further descent down the chute of the leading container. Banks of first level TIG torches are arranged to arc to the drums, providing heat for "cooking" waste in the unopened containers in the upper portion with rising gases and for opening the leading container and incandescently acting on solid materials spilled therefrom.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus includes a casing having a top and bottom and a plurality of sides defining a pyrolysis chamber for receiving and pyrolyzing feed materials therein into fluid materials and a mass of refractory material disposed upon the bottom of the casing and spaced below the top thereof and extending between its sides. The refractory mass includes an upper surface defining a bottom of the pyrolysis chamber and having an end spaced from a first one of the casing sides to define an ash residue collection cavity therebetween. The apparatus also includes a system of tunnels defined within the refractory mass being spaced below the upper surface thereof.

Abstract: For disposal of waste material including water, volatile components and vitrifiable components, the waste material is heated in a dehydrator to remove the water, heated in a high-temperature dryer to vaporize hydrocarbon liquids, and then fed to the focus point of a primary plasma reactor where plasma arc jets are focused on the surface of a pool of the vitrifiable components. At the focus point the vitrifiable components are melted, and the volatile components are volatized. The melted vitrifiable components are received in a quench chamber where they solidify on a quench roller and are broken into chips and delivered to a receiving area. Heat from the quench chamber is transferred to the dehydrator and high-temperature dryer. The hydrocarbon liquids and volatized components are fed to a secondary plasma reactor where they are disassociated into their elemental components.

Abstract: A partially cylindrical shaped inner wall forming an arc less than 360 is secured to the inner cylindrical shaped side wall of the toilet outward of the electrical heater coil forming an enclosed inner heat insulation holding space for receiving heat insulation. An ash pan has inner and outer stainless steel pans with their upper ends secured together forming an enclosed space in which are located a copper pan against the inner pan and heat insulation material. An electrical circuit is provided having a timer for controlling the exhaust fan motor and a timer for controlling a temperature controller which drives a relay which is connected to the heater coil. A thermocouple located in the enclosed space in the ash pan is coupled to the circuit for shutting the heater down when the temperature in the bottom of the ash pan reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A reactor for dissociating waste in a molten metal bath includes a vertical reaction section for containing a molten metal bath and a horizontal separation section extending from an upper portion of the vertical reaction section. A waste is directed into the vertical section of the reactor. An oxidant is directed into the reactor for reaction with dissociation products of the waste to form gaseous, vitreous and molten metal reaction products in the molten metal bath. The horizontal separation section has discharge outlets for proximate and separate discharge of vitreous and molten metal product streams from the reactor at a location which is remote from the vertical reaction section.

Abstract: A combustion device for treating wastes is suitable for family use and includes a barrel disposed in a body for accommodating the wastes, an inner wall fixed in the barrel, a heating coil disposed between the inner wall and the body for heating and combusting the wastes, a motor disposed in the body, and a rotatable blade fixed on the spindle of the motor for comminuting the wastes when the motor is energized.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus includes a casing having outer and inner spaced walls forming an airtight vessel inside of the inner walls and a channel between the outer and inner walls surrounding the vessel for containing a flow of coolant fluid. The vessel contains a first chamber having an inlet and a second chamber connected in communication with the first chamber and having an outlet. The first chamber receives materials through its inlet. The materials are pyrolyzed in the first chamber. The second chamber receives the pyrolyzed materials from the first chamber. The pyrolyzed materials are oxidized in the second chamber and then discharged therefrom. The vessel defined by the casing is separated into first and second units. The first chamber of the vessel for pyrolyzing materials is disposed in the first unit. The second chamber of the vessel has primary and secondary sections for oxidizing materials in two successive stages.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the non-thermal destruction of hazardous waste material using an electrodeless inductively coupled RF plasma torch. The waste material is combined with a controllable source of free electrons, and the RF plasma torch is used to excite the free electrons, raising their temperature to 3000.degree. C. or more. The electrons are maintained at this temperature for a sufficient time to enable the free electrons to dissociate the waste material as a result of collisions and ultraviolet radiation generated in situ by electron-molecule collisions. The source of free electrons is preferably an inert gas such as argon, which may be used as both the waste material carrier gas and the torch gas.

Abstract: An incinerator for disposing of a syringe needle having a first pair of electrical contacts adapted to connect a source of electricity at approximately opposed positions across the width of the syringe needle such that the electricity will flow across the width between the positions for welding and sealing the needle, and a second pair of electrical contacts adapted to connect a source of electricity to flow across a portion of the length of the syringe needle for incineration of said portion. The present invention ensures that the end of the needle is completely sealed, i.e., sufficiently sealed to prevent any possible leakage of harmful quantities of fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for immobilizing ashes by vitrification thereof in a plasma arc reactor, which is very efficient to treat ashes and any other pulverulent residues containing toxic leachable components that may be a source of pollution. The process makes use of a plasma reactor of the falling film type, in which an axial transferred or non-transferred arc melts and treats a load tangentially injected or otherwise blown in a cyclonic manner in a sleeve while this load falls down by gravity along the wall of the sleeve and accumulates at the bottom of the reactor in the form of a liquid bath. The load that is fed into the reactor consists of the ashes exclusively if they contain a sufficient amount of silica to make them self-vitrifying, or of a mixture of ashes with silica or another glass-forming agent.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is used as an independent heat source in an enclosed reactor vessel to gasify municipal solid waste and produce a medium quality gas and an inert monolithic slag having substantially lower toxic element leachability. The gas has lower levels of metals and semi-volatile organic compounds, particularly dioxins and furans. Other materials may also be gasified, for example, coal, wood and peat.

Abstract: A process and equipment for pyrolyzing packaged biomedical waste in a reactive metal alloy in an oxygen deficient atmosphere and separating for recycling the resultant carbon, glass, and metal while venting resultant hydrogen and nitrogen from an aqueous off gas scrubber.

Abstract: Equipment for melting a used injection needle includes a pair of movable contacts (2) and a fixed contact (3) between which electric voltage is applied. A short-circuit detector (4), determines when the movable contacts (2) and the fixed contact (3) are short-circuited by a used injection needle (9), and a timer (5) produces a signal during the period in which the short-circuit detector (4) produces a signal. An electromagnet drives the movable contacts (2) together to secure the used injection needle (9) to decrease the contact resistance between the movable contacts (2) and the used injection needle (9) and to allow a large electric current to flow in the used injection needle (9) in a stable manner.

Abstract: An incinerator for the disposal of biohazardous waste has a sealed enclosure defining a combustion chamber with upper, first level intermediate, second level intermediate and lower portions. The upper chamber portion is an inclined chute with a door into which a plurality of cylindrical metal containers of waste are loaded. The bottom run of the chute has a stepped, centrally expanding dimension so different sized containers will be self-centered. A pair of laterally-spaced drums is disposed in the first level intermediate portion, at a constriction which stops further descent down the chute of the leading container. Banks of first level TIG torches are arranged to arc to the drums, providing heat for "cooking" waste in the unopened containers in the upper portion with rising gases and for opening the leading container and incandescently acting on solid materials spilled therefrom.

Abstract: Spent potliner from aluminum reduction cells includes carbon, inorganic brick and refractory material, and fluoride, sulfur, and cyanide compounds, and is considered hazardous. It is treated by introducing it into a vessel, and exposing it to the heat of a plasma torch at a temperature of at least 1000.degree. C. As a result, carbon is gasified and converted to combustible carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons, or to carbon dioxide; inorganic material is melted form slag; fluoride compounds are melted, vaporized, or reduced to gaseous HF; cyanide compounds are destroyed; and all other materials, including sulfur compounds, are either melted or gasified. As a result, the spent potliner is rendered non-hazardous, and the quantity of remaining slag has both its solid volume and mass substantially reduced by a factor of at least 1.5:1 in mass and at least 3:1 in volume relative to the input spent potliner.

Abstract: Chemical waste is burned in oxygen using an electric plasma flame to heat a stream of gas which contains at least 70% by weight oxygen. Liquid waste in fine droplet form is introduced into the gas stream via a two-fluid atomizer using a carrier gas also preferably oxygen. The total amount of oxygen present is at least 30% more than required for complete combustion of the liquid waste. The reaction mixture is maintained at a temperature of at least 1450.degree. C. for a time of at least 2 milliseconds prior to cooling rapidly of the reaction products to a temperature below 300.degree. C.

Abstract: In a process for the treatment of dust or the like containing organic constituents, in particular filter dust from foundry sands containing binding agent, the dust is introduced into a fluidizable heat carrier of refractory material, heated and burnt, wherein the heat carrier is preferably preheated to receive the dust. An apparatus for carrying out that process, a loose material bed comprising a fluidizable refractory material is arranged as a heat carrier in a combustion chamber of a furnace on a fluidization plate, and provided in the heat carrier are a heating means and at least one feed means for the dust.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waste purifying and incinerating apparatus, in which the waste matters are introduced into one of a pair of parallel purifying and incinerating chambers provided with a heater and a pair of magnetrons. The waste matters are dried and incinerated by a radiating heat from the heater and a very high frequency generated by the magnetrons, thereby the liquid content retained in the waste and the ashes produced from the incinerating operation are filtered and disinfected as well as the nasty or poisionous components in the gas produced from the incineration is filtered so that antipollution effects and the waste incinerating efficiency are improved.

Abstract: Mixed refuse containing organic and inorganic material forms a column-like mass within a furnace chamber. The column of material is heated by a plasma torch having a forward plasma-emitting end disposed within the lower portion of the column and surrounded by the refuse therein. The height of the stack is maintained at a preselected elevation above the forward end of the torch. Gases produced by pyrolytic conversion of organic components of the refuse are discharged through ports of the chamber. Melted metallic and other inorganic refuse forms a pool upon a hearth of the furnace chamber. The plasma torch imparts circulatory movement to the pool. An injector downstream from the torch directs steam onto material adjacent the surface of the pool. Excess molten material is drained from the pool and the furnace chamber.

Abstract: Hazardous waste treatment method and apparatus are disclosed in the preferred and illustrated embodiment. A feedstock of solid or liquid hazardous waste material is combusted in a plasma generator in the absence of oxygen and converted into non-hazardous components which are collected in a reactor chamber. The non-hazardous components are further converted into a gaseous outflow which is cooled and separated into selected constituents which are collected in storage vessels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein toxic and nuclear waste are pumped in a metered fashion or introduced through a sealing door into a plasma region. The plasma region is generated in a sealed chamber by a radio frequency plasma torch. In the plasma region the toxic waste is atomized and ionized. The recombining of the atomized and ionized molecules is managed in the sealed reaction chamber to yield environmentally neutral products. Encapsulation material that is either introduced into the process chamber with the waste or is resident in the process chamber encapsulates radioactive or heavy metal atoms in a glassy stone like material. This encapsulating renders the atoms environmentally neutral. The flow of material in and out of the reaction chamber are regulated carefully. The radio frequency power level is also carefully controlled. These controls insure the neutrality of the recombining products. The fluids exiting the chamber are filtered before release, to insure environmental neutrality.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removal of petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated soil. The apparatus of the invention includes a shallow container, preferably with vertical sides, which has in its bottom wall a multiplicity of elongated recessed chambers with an open mesh entry area at the upper side, and a gas discharge orifice at one end of each chamber. A rack containing burners is adapted for positioning over the material to be treated within the container. The invented method includes charging materials to be treated into a container, heating the material while creating a partial pressure within the chamber, establishing a vacuum to pull the gasses downwardly through the soil and atmospheric air downwardly with the gasses, then either collecting or discharging the removed gasses, after which the soil is removed from the treatment chamber.

Abstract: Toxic wastes are destroyed by contact thereof with a steam plasma jet and immediately thereafter with an oxidizing medium followed by washing of the resultant gaseous product with an alkaline medium. An apparatus for carrying out this method is in the form of a tubular assembly adapted to be received on a plasmatron in axial alignment therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising an induction arc chamber having a thermal decomposed cavity formed therein and a plurality of electrode assemblies supported with the thermal decomposition cavity so that the electric arc gap formed between the electrode assemblies can be selectively varied to maintain a sufficiently high temperature in the thermal decomposition cavity to effect efficient decomposition of waste material in the induction arc chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the disintegration of waste by subjecting the waste within a closed chamber to plumes of an electrically generated high temperature plasma. The chamber is lined with an array of nozzles to produce the plumes and the nozzles are supplied with a cooling gas at all times. The nozzles are energized to produce the plumes in a predetermined sequential manner so that the waste is destroyed in steps, or bites. The gas containing the products of disintegration is withdrawn and filtered. One embodiment comprises a portable device capable of disintegrating waste over a large area such as at a waste dump site.

Abstract: The described refuse-treating unit (1) comprises a treatment chamber (2) adapted to hold a predetermined amount of refuse (6), a sterilization apparatus acting on the treatment chamber and adapted to administer heat to the refuse amount (6) until said amount is at least partly converted to a sterilized mass in a pasty state, and a compacting device (7, 8, 9) adapted to press the refuse amount (6) at least partly in a pasty state together, and convert it to a compact block (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for destroying syringe needles. The apparatus has an incinerator into which a syringe needle may be inserted, crimped by a crimper 30, burned by passing an electric current through the needle between the needle tip and a sealing crimp formed by the crimper 30, and the burned needle severed by a cutter 36.

Abstract: A hazardous waste incinerator is provided herein. The incinerator includes a sealed, inner incineration chamber which is either made from, or which is lined with a non-porous, impervious corrosion-resistant lining, the inner incineration chamber including a means for supporting hazardous waste to be incinerated, and a recirculating blower. An insulated outer combustion chamber is provided in sealed, spaced-apart relationship to the inner incineration chamber. The heat produced in the outer combustion chamber induces incineration of hazardous waste in the incinerator chamber, the products of incineration of the hazardous waste being separate and distinct from the products of combustion in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Hazardous waste treatment method and apparatus are disclosed in the preferred and illustrated embodiment. A feedstock of solid or liquid hazardous waste material is combusted in a plasma generator in the absence of oxygen and converted into non-hazardous components which are collected in a reactor chamber. The non-hazardous components are further converted into a gaseous outflow which is cooled and separated into selected constituents which are collected in storage vessels.

Abstract: A pellet fuel combustion assembly including a fuel container, an auger for transferring pellet fuel to a burnpot, a top-opening burnpot for receiving the fuel, and an igniter. The burnpot is preferably constructed of insulative ceramic and includes a base portion defining an ignition compartment below the floor of the burnpot. An opening in the floor of the burnpot leads down a ramp to conduct fuel pellets to a position spaced from but closely adjacent the igniter. An air intake port leading into the ignition compartment causes air flow by the hot igniter causing the fuel to ignite by heat conductance as well as radiation. The igniter, once ignition has taken place, is cooled by the air flow and is separated from the extreme temperatures of the combustion chamber by the insulative floor, thus giving a long service life.

Abstract: This Hazardous Waste Reclamation process pyrolyzes hazardous waste such as PCB (polychloro-biphenyl) in a closed system in a molten alloy, containing some aluminum, at a minimum of 800 degrees C. to form activated carbon that is recovered from the circulating exit gas stream and an impure alloy ingot containing unreacted metals and metal salts that are saleable to a metal processor as a high grade ore. The composition of the alloy may be varied to assure maximum reaction to nontoxic alloy salts that remain in the ingot.

Abstract: A method and system for detoxification of waste materials, comprising incineration of the waste materials followed by additional contaminant reduction steps. The waste material is separated into solid and liquid portions that are fed separately into a combustion chamber wherein they are exposed to a plasma arc torch to affect combustion, producing a gaseous emissions stream and an obsidian residue. The gaseous emissions stream passes through an emissions control unit to eliminate acid gases, metals, and particulates, producing a cleansed exhaust gas and an emissions residue. The emissions residue is passed through an electroplating unit to reclaim metals. The obsidian residue is pulverized and then treated by a chemical process, or passed through the electroplating unit, to reduce the concentration of unbound barium contained therein, producing an inert obsidian residue that is free of toxic levels of all contaminants.